5 Myths About Herpes
Herpes is a virus that infects the nerve cells, and it has been known to the medical community for over two thousand years. Though specific STD symptoms are non-fatal, infection can become life-threatening in cases of co-occurring infections that cause immune suppression or with the use of immune suppressing drugs. The most common infections are those of the face and mouth, referred to as Herpes Type-1 (HSV-1), and infection of the genitals, called Herpes Type-2 (HSV-2). Both herpes types can be detected using the STD Testing Lab's Herpes blood test or as part of the Level I or Level II packages. Other kinds of infections are much less common among otherwise healthy people, and they include Herpes Whitlow, which presents as painful blistering of the fingers, keratitis, which infects the eyes, and encephalitis.
Herpes a prolific disease with over 70% of the population infected by either Type-1 or Type-2, and only about 19% of the infected population aware of their status. Part of the problem has been clinicians mistaking herpes infection for other bacterial or fungal infections. Fortunately, STD testing is now available that can positively identify infection and differentiate between Type-1 and Type-2. Despite the advent of increased confidence in testing, there are still a lot of common myths about herpes that need to be addressed.
The Five Most Dangerous Myths of Herpes Infection
1. Infection is only possible when blisters are present.
While oral herpes is generally symptomatic and only spread through active blisters, genital herpes is most often not visible at all. The genital variety can spread without any other symptoms being present. Since it can remain invisible, it is important for sexually active individuals to receive STD testing at least once a year and more often if there are multiple partners.
2. Only direct contact with blisters can transmit the virus.
Most cases of genital herpes will show no blisters at all, yet it can still be transferred. with direct contact. There is a common fear that genital herpes can be spread through public toilets, but this is a myth as well. When exposed to air, the virus dries out and dies quickly. But what about oral herpes? The oral variety can be spread through mucous, such as when sharing drinks. Straws are a common culprit, and the lip of a cup can serve as a vector.
3. Cold sores can't cause genital herpes.
Type-1 herpes simplex, which causes cold sores, can be passed to the genitals during oral sex. Likewise, having oral sex with someone who has genital herpes can result in you contracting either type of infection. Though the risk is higher during initial outbreak of symptoms, the presence of blistering is not necessary for this to happen. Risks are much greater for those with compromised immune systems.
4. Your partner or you have just been diagnosed with genital herpes, so someone must have cheated.
Unless you and your partner have had type-specific STD testing in the past, it is quite likely that one or both off you were infected before entering the relationship. The Pap smears commonly performed during women's annual examinations do not generally include testing for herpes, so it is important to make sure you get tested correctly for this common STD.
5. Those infected with herpes can never have sex or give birth.
Herpes infection, like most STDs, is surrounded by fears of stigmatization. By reading the literature on herpes and articles written by those who have been diagnosed, you will learn to talk about it effectively with possible partners, as well as what precautions are necessary. Herpes can be passed to infants during birth, but this generally only happens during outbreaks. It should be discussed with the obstetrician, who may suggest C-section in special cases.
A herpes infection does not mean an end to sex or social ostracism. It does mean taking more precautions, like wearing condoms and possibly using dental dams. There is also medicine available to help suppress outbreaks and prevent transmission. Increasing your knowledge is the first step to living a full life with a herpes infection or hopefully avoiding the disease through periodic STD testing.